3 Underrated European Destinations

Reykjavik

Reykjavík is so much more than just a destination; it’s a place of exciting possibilities surrounded by incredible landscapes, where countless adventures beckon and a host of natural wonders await.

Iceland is highly accessible, situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with only 3 hours flight from Europe and 5 hours from the east coast of North America. The capital city Reykjavik has been expanding its infrastructure and is evolving into a premiere international MICE destination.

Offering a broad spectrum of first-rate accommodations and Conference hotels, the city has lodgings to satisfy every MICE planners needs. Rapidly expanding, and containing both recognised chains and local hotels, the city has over 180 hotels and guesthouses with around 5000 rooms. For large scale events, The Harpa Conference Centre, opened in 2011 and located in the heart of Reykjavík can house up to 3,500 delegates simultaneously. The Grand Hotel (15 meeting rooms, 8 – 470) offers first class facilities but a special mention goes to the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina which delivers an authentic Reykjavik experience, by synthesizing the city’s rich maritime history with its colourful, vibrant and modern present-day culture.

And there’s no way to write about this city without mentioning the obvious – evening trips to the Northern Lights, an afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, snowmobile adventures, super jeep tours, excursions to experience towering mountains, deep gorges and magnificent glaciers…we could go on…this destination really does provide a memorable experience.

Dublin

A small capital with a huge reputation, Dublin’s mix of heritage and hedonism does not disappoint. A compact, walkable city, Dublin airport is located just 12km from the city centre. With over 60 airlines flying to over 175 destinations, the airport is one of Europe’s busiest airports.

Dublin offers a fascinating mix of historic venues from Medieval crypts and 17th century theatres to castles, Georgian townhouses, libraries and old military hospitals. The city’s mixture of the traditional and the modern will excite and inspire any visitor. The miles of unspoilt green landscapes provide a perfect backdrop and if you have time a trip up the Wild Atlantic Way is an experience never to forget!

And how can we forget about the famed Irish hospitality? Always greeted with a huge smile and mentality to please, it’s a struggle to think of another location which offers such a warm welcome as the Irish.

Ranked by Forbes as one of the best countries in the world to do business it’s no wonder why top international countries have a base there. With some stunning quality venues just outside the city, Powerscourt and Druids Glenn to name a few, the city is packed with stunning local hotels such as The Shelbourne and Gibson hotels. Offering space for small meetings as well as large (Clayton Burlington has facilities up to 1,400 delegates), the city is not short of off-site dinner locations; The Guinness Storehouse and Jameson factory to name a few.

Krakow

With the old Cloth Hall standing in the city centre of the old towns Grand Square, the
Town Hall Tower at one end and the Gothic basilica of St Mary’s situated opposite, the evidence is clear to show why Krakow has been mooted as the European City of Culture. The beautiful Wawel cathedral and castle is just another example of the city’s history and beauty, which offers guests a completely different experience to any other city in Europe.

What’s more, seven miles west of the city, the John Paul II International Airport has great connections with the UK, with many low-cost airlines offering regular flights at affordable rates.

Although currently no dedicated convention venues, a conference centre is in the planning stages. The city offers visitors a combination of international chain and national hotels. The Radisson Blu, Sheraton, DoubleTree and Holiday Inn are a few of the wider-known names, all offering good sized meeting space and bedrooms at some incredible rates. On the domestic front, The Copernicus Hotel is the perfect place for a cosy, casual meeting as well as a formal, professional event.

There should be no surprise that there are many wonderful event spaces in a city that dates to 966. The Archeological Museum (up to 100 pax dining), the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre (120 pax), the Krzysztofory Palace (80 pax) and the city’s Tadeusz Kosciuszko Mound (230 pax) are just some of the standout off-site dinner venues the city has to offer.